5:12 Dealing with Original Sin
sin came into the world through one man
death came into the world through that act
death spread to all men because all sinned
5:13
without question sin was in the world before the law [of Moses] was given
[related fact] sin is not counted where there is no law
5:14
death reigned from Adam to Moses
[conclusion, sin IS being counted]
[therefore, some law must be at work even before Moses]
death even reigned over {children/infants} who hadn't sinned remotely "like" Adam.
[conclusion: imputation of Adam's guilt, even apart from "actual" transgressions]


2:12 Not dealing with Original Sin
those who are "without the law" [of Moses] (Gentiles) die according to vv14-15, having violations of their "own" law which in many places are coincidental with God's moral standard. So, if he believes it's wrong to murder, but he does it anyway, since this is coincidental with God's moral standard, he is found a lawbreaker, his "conscience accusing him." At judgment day he is without excuse.

Those who possess the revealed Standard (Jews) have a supplemental code which is ideal. When they violate this Standard, everyone KNOWS they are guilty before God.

__________________
Rev. Bruce G. Buchanan
ChainOLakes Presbyterian Church, CentralLake, MI


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